Its stated goal was to develops its players to play on college, major junior, and professional teams.

America East was also the first junior league affiliated with the North American Amateur Hockey Association.

The league was formed in 2005 with five member teams for the 2005–2006 season based in the Northeastern United States.

Following the 2007–08 season the AEHL went through major changes when the Pennsylvania Enforcers, Delaware Thunder, and Wooster Oilers left the league to join the new United Junior Hockey League.

After the three teams left the AEHL soon announced major expansion of the league into Canada.